There are many ways to show your dog that she is your best friend and an important member of your family.More >>

There are many ways to show your dog that she is your best friend and an important member of your family. From doing activities together to creating a space just for her, these are some easy ways you can strengthen your bond with your four-legged friend.More >>

Inviting guests to your home when you have a new or energetic dog can prove to be challenging. Just a little training -- for both your dog and your guests -- will make visits more enjoyable for everyone.More >>

Inviting guests to your home when you have a new or energetic dog can prove to be challenging. Just a little training -- for both your dog and your guests -- will make visits more enjoyable for everyone.More >>

Since your dog hasn't mastered speaking in words yet, you may wonder how you can tell if your dog is feeling okay. It turns out, many of the clues can come from just looking at your dog and reading his body language.More >>

Since your dog hasn't mastered speaking in words yet, you may wonder how you can tell if your dog is feeling okay. It turns out, many of the clues can come from just looking at your dog and reading his body language.More >>

Boarding your dog can be a stressful time for both you and your pooch. If you take the time to prep ahead of time, however, there’s no reason the time your furry friend spends being boarded can’t be both fun and stress free.More >>

Boarding your dog can be a stressful time for both you and your pooch. If you take the time to prep ahead of time, however, there’s no reason the time your furry friend spends being boarded can’t be both fun and stress free.More >>

Over the past few years there has been a lot of talk about specific dog breeds that are "hypoallergenic" and perfect for families with members who have pet allergies. Is this talk fact or fiction?More >>

Over the past few years there has been a lot of talk about specific dog breeds that are "hypoallergenic" and perfect for families with members who have pet allergies. Is this talk fact or fiction?More >>

Does a tail wag always mean a happy dog? Are a dog's sloppy kisses a surefire sign of its affection? Since dogs are unable to verbalize what they are really thinking, there are nonverbal cues that we can learn from and respond to accordingly. We separate the facts from the fiction.

1. A wagging tail indicates a happy dog.

False.

Not always. A friendly wag is generally wide and sweeping for long-tailed dogs, and rapid and joyful for smaller breeds. Pay attention to other nonverbal cues: Ears tend to hang low and eye contact is remiss in a happily wagging dog. When a stiffly wagging tail that is held higher is coupled with a glare, this might indicate trouble, so keep your dog clear of any other dogs that are exhibiting that behavior.

2. My dog kisses me because it loves me.

Partially true.

Dogs like the taste of salt, so it may just be that human skin tastes good to them. Other factors are probably at play too. For example, mother dogs lick their newborns from the start. Pups from an early age then learn to associate the licking sensation with something positive, welcome and comforting. In the dog world, it is therefore often a gift to be licked! So consider those poochie smoochies to be a sign of devotion and loyalty.

3. Dogs yawn because they are bored.

False.

Though often considered a sign of boredom, yawns may indicate tension or anxiety in a dog. Yawning may occur when being hugged or petted or even upon being approached by a stranger. Of course, your dog may simply be yawning because it is sleepy and/or relaxed.

4. Dogs roll over and expose their stomachs for a belly rub.

Tralse (a little true, a little false).

A sign of submission, dogs will roll over to show another dog or person they are not a threat or to indicate they are not interested in performing a certain behavior. True, it can mean "Rub my tummy" as well.

Though unable to verbalize, our pets have been communicating their wants, needs and moods for thousands of years. So keep your eyes on your dog. It's probably trying to tell you something important.

Carol Bryantis the Social Media and PR Director for Fido Friendly magazine. A frequent media contributor, Carol is a two-time nominee from the Dog Writers Association of America, and she maintains her own dog blog, Fidose of Reality. Her articles have previously appeared in The Dog Daily.

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